SAM #2026-NLS-0043

Procurement of Reusable Braille Mailing Containers for the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is seeking a contractor to supply reusable Braille Mailing Containers for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. - Government Buyer: - Library of Congress, Contracts and Grants Directorate, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled - Products Requested: - Braille Mailing Containers in two sizes: - Standard/Regular: 12(W) x 13(L) x 4(H) inches - Large/Long: 12(W) x 19(L) x 4(H) inches - Estimated quantities per year: - 2,000 standard/regular containers - 360 large/long containers - Same quantities for base and option year - Preproduction samples required: 5 standard and 5 large containers - Schematics Development, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), reports, and documentation - Notable Requirements: - Containers must meet strict dimensional, material, durability, and postal compatibility standards - ISO 9001-certified Quality Assurance Plan required - Preproduction control samples must be submitted for inspection and approval - Warranty coverage for 12 months from acceptance - All production units must conform to approved samples and contract specifications - Services Requested: - Development and submission of schematics, QAP, reports, and documentation - Delivery Locations: - Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (Washington, DC) - Multi-State Center West (Salt Lake City, UT) - Multi-State Center East (Fairfield, OH) - No specific OEMs or brands are named; open to manufacturers meeting requirements - Contract Value: - Minimum order value: $25,000 - Maximum order value: $600,000

Description

Notice: This is a competitive solicitation for commercial products and commercial services adhering to the requirements of FAR subpart 13.5, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This is for the procurement of Braille Mailing Containers to two (2) types of braille mailing containers, standard sizes and large sizes.

The National Library Service (NLS) produces books and magazines in braille and audio formats for individuals who are unable to read standard print due to visual or other physical disabilities. Most of these books and magazines are circulated to patrons through the mail. Braille books are primarily distributed in multi-volume format to libraries and utilize braille mailing containers for shipment to individual patrons.

The contractor shall furnish two (2) types of braille mail containers in accordance with the requirements set forth in this contract. The total quantity shall consist of approximately eighty percent (80%) standard-size mail containers and twenty percent (20%) large-size mail containers. The contractor shall apply all required preprinted text and/or imaging to each braille mail container as specified. Prior to full production, the contractor shall produce and submit preproduction control samples in both standard and large sizes for inspection and approval by the Library. The contractor shall perform all necessary inspection and testing of preproduction samples to ensure compliance with contract requirements before proceeding to full production. Upon receipt of written approval from the Library, the contractor shall proceed with the full production of braille mail containers. All production units shall confirm the approved samples and contract specifications.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror that provides the best value to the government. For this competition, the following evaluation factors will be used to determine the “Best Value Tradeoff” for the government:

Volume I – Product Samples Volume II - Technical Volume Technical Approach Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) Volume III - Past Performance Volume IIII - Price

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(a)(2)(iii), the Library is not required to state the relative importance assigned to each evaluation factor and subfactor.

The following attachments are included in this notice:

J1 - Braille Volume Mailing Container Requirements Version 0.1.2 (2 Pages) J2 - Past Performance Questionnaire (3 Pages) J3 - Ordering Year Pricing Schedule (1 Tab)

All proposals shall be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer, James Robinson, at Jarobinson@loc.gov, and the Contracting Specialist, Brenda Kinlay, at bkinlay@loc.gov, no later than the response date specified in this solicitation.

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